Scott Ruscoe described his New Saints side’s draw with Connah’s Quay Nomads on Friday night as ‘a kick in the teeth’.

Former Saints forward Michael Wilde equalised for Nomads in the final 10 minutes of the game, after some penalty confusion for the TNS side beforehand.

Dean Ebbe opened the scoring for Saints after an hour of play, but they were unable to hold on for the three points.

Ruscoe felt as though his side deserved more from the game.

“I don’t think it was a fair result. They had one chance and I thought we totally dominated the game,” he said.

“It was really disappointing not to get three points, especially when the referee gave us a penalty at 1-0, which we thought would be a good opportunity to wrap the game up, but then it was rescinded.

“That probably had a bearing on the game, because our players still felt frustration with it and perhaps we lost a bit of momentum.

“And then they go down the other end with a long ball and score – it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth really.

“If I was their manager, I would’ve been thoroughly delighted with that result.”

There was confusion when Saints were awarded a penalty after opening the scoring, however referee Mark Petch consulted with his linesman after pointing to the spot, before overturning his decision.

Ruscoe said he was disappointed with the situation.

He added: “I think they argued it hit the player in the chest or on the shoulder, and they felt it would’ve been harsh to give the penalty.

“But the thing is, the referee has given it as a penalty and then he’s confided in the linesman and the linesman has said he doesn’t think it’s a penalty.

“How often does that happen though? The referee has given it, that should be it.

“We’ve had plenty of penalties given against us that I don’t think are penalties, but they’ve just been given and that’s it.

“The referee doesn’t change his mind normally, so I thought it was really strange.”

There were some positives for the TNS manager, as he singled out his defenders for putting in another solid performance.

“We talked about [defending] and tried to improve it a few weeks back, and I thought on Friday particularly from the long balls and set pieces we were excellent – Keston Davies and Chris Marriott really dealt with everything they had,” he said.

“Ryan Harrington and Danny Redmond were excellent at full-back too.

“I can’t have too many complaints, because overall, all of the players performed well.”

TNS face bottom of the table side Carmarthen Town at home on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm), and Ruscoe is hopeful his players can avoid a potential slip up.

“They’ve had four draws and haven’t had a win yet, but they could be a potential banana skin,” he said.

“But our players now are getting to the point in the season where we’re ticking along nicely.” and we’re looking very solid and resolute defensively and I think we’re looking dangerous going forward too.

“I wouldn’t want to question the players’ attitudes going into this game, but it’s one that, on paper, could be a tricky one.”